WITH its vibrant colours and exotic habitat, you would think it was a snapshot of the famous Great Barrier Reef or the Red Sea.

But this stunning picture by an award-winning photographer was taken a lot closer to home.

It is the first photograph of a snakelocks anemone shrimp and it was snapped swimming around a reef at Swanage pier.

It’s the work of top photographer Dr Matt Doggett, a marine biologist.

Next week he is making his way to Moors Valley Country Park on June 8 for an illustrated talk on what the south’s vast coastal area has to offer.

The talk is set to take the audience on an underwater tour of the Dorset and Hampshire coastline and focus on the rich biodiversity of our local waters using his photography work.

Dr Doggett, was a winner at the British Wildlife Photography Awards last year.

He said: “I started out as an underwater photographer when I was working in the Philippines. I lived next to a coral reef for about seven months and when I came home I carried on doing work underwater.

“I had been a wildlife photographer for many years and as it’s gone on it has developed into more of a passion for underwater life.”

His amazing photos are captured by a basic waterproof Cannon SLR camera and often trick their viewers into thinking they are from exotic locations.

He added: “People generally say they didn't realise we had stuff as colourful and exciting in our seas as we do.”

The illustrated talk is part of a series of 25 wildlife events marking the 25th anniversary of Moors Valley Country Park.

It starts at 7.30pm and admission is £4, with parking included.

For more information and to book call 01425 470721.